Q: I am looking at this particular Transfer switch for emergency back up. I noticed it has 4- 15 amp single pole breakers and 1 Double pole 20 amp at C and D. My breaker panel has two 20 amp single pole breakers that supplies my fridge and freezers that I want to back up. My questions to you, are the 15 amp breakers in the transfer switch ok to tie in with the 20 amp breakers I am looking to back up? or Do they need to be equal to the breakers in the panel?Thank you.by Larry from Maryland on September 24, 2013

A: Thank you for your interest in Electric Generators Direct!

The Reliance Controls, 30216A will not be sufficient to support the described load. You will need to support the required 20 amp breakers with ones rated at an equal or greater level. I would recommend the Reliance Controls Q310A, which is rated for the same amount of power, but is equipped with 1 20a 2-pole and 1 30a 2-pole breaker.

Q: jim can u take out the bar on the 2 pole 20 amp breaker and have 6 single pole breakers on the reliance 30 amp switch?by Bruce Mcsperrin from Connecticut on August 31, 2012

A: Yes, you can remove the handle ties. Basically, you have two single pole switches there, each with it's own hot wire to it. Removing the handle tie turns the 2 pole switch into two 1 pole switches for a total of 6 circuits.by Mike, Product Expert

Q: Jim,I have a 5000 watt portable and want to install a tranfer switch. I want to locate the power inlet box outside my basement wall but the location is about 35 feet from my panel. What do you suggest.Thanks!Daveby Dave Dezzi from Pennsylvania on August 19, 2011

A: This Reliance Controls transfer switch is a good choice but the have the connection outlet the distance you want you would need to go with the PB30 power inlet box which can be mounted where you needed it and then hardwire from it to the transfer switch. There should be no concerns with the distance if you use 10 gauge wire for the connection from the box to the transfer switch. See link below for suggested model:

Does this manual transfer switch Model 30216A come with the power inlet or is that a separate item to purchase?by Sam from Illinois on March 03, 2011

A: Sam,

The manual transfer switch comes exactly as it is pictured with the receptacle separate. The new National Electric Code established in Jan 2010 states that manufacturers cannot install the receptacle on the face of an indoor manual transfer switch anymore. This is done to prevent users from connecting a short cord and running their generator inside their garage or structure. All generators must be run outside for proper ventilation due to the abundance of carbon monoxide that they produce.by Mike, Product Expert

A: This switch is rated for up to 7500 watts and can easily handle a 3500 watt generator but the key will be the connections. This unit comes with an outlet that is rated at 30A and has 4-prongs since it can handle 120V & 240V. You will have to check the largest outlet you have on your generator and I would suggest you purchase an outdoor power inlet box that matches your generator and then have that wired directly to the transfer switch. That way when you decide to upgrade all you have to do is change the power inlet box instead of the whole transfer switch.

I previously used extension cords running through the house with the generator, but had no way to run the furnace. A furnace transfer switch is about half the cost of getting a multi-circuit switch, and you need to use an extension cord to run it. So, I purchased this 6-circuit switch to power the furnace, sump pump & chest freezer, refrigerator, TV & cable, and two circuits of lights. No more messing around with cords! The installation was easy and looks clean and professional.

I'm using a Honda EU2000i generator (1600 Watts continuous / 2000 Watts surge), so I wired the entire panel for 120V. With CFL bulbs installed in all the light fixtures, the little generator runs everything except the furnace easily at about 800 watts, leaving plenty of overhead for the fridge or freezer to start up or the sump pump to run when needed. In the winter, I plan to alternate between running the furnace (gas furnace, 1000 watts for the blower), and fridge & freezer (not ideal, but at least my family won't freeze during a blackout).

I installed a 30 Amp 120V power inlet box (model PB31) on the outside of the house. This way, I can upgrade my generator in the future and not have to rewire anything.

Tip... I labeled all the switches and made a list of all the items on each circuit. This list is displayed on the wall next to the transfer switch so we can easily see which lights and outlets each switch controls. I also installed a light (model THP6288) onto the transfer switch. It lights up like a night light when the generator is running and helps light the dark basement so we can get to the transfer switch safely.

I previously used extension cords running through the house with the generator, but had no way to run the furnace. A furnace transfer switch is about half the cost of getting a multi-circuit switch, and you need to use an extension cord to run it. So, I purchased this 6-circuit switch to power the furnace, sump pump & chest freezer, refrigerator, TV & cable, and two circuits of lights. No more messing around with cords! The installation was easy and looks clean and professional.

(THIS IS ONLY AN OPINION, I AM NOT A CERTIFIED ELECTRICIAN), But, if you can wire an electric socket and or switch, you should be able to handle this without much difficulty. Although there are a couple of items that should be covered for clarification of installation.

1. To install the provided "male plug" into the switch front housing, you may need to remove the (2) two front bottom screws on the transfer switch, so you can find the (4) four wires needed to hook up the plug. (2 wires in my transfer switch were buried, beyond fingers reach, within switch) Once all (4) four wires have been obtained, then simply follow the enclosed leaflet instructions, to wire plug.

2. Make sure you mount switch so the incoming wires to the main panel are situated in the bottom center of main panel to allow enough wire for both rows of breakers. (I have 2 panels, side by side, one 300 amp and one 200 amp. I was worried when first starting out, because one needed circuit was within the second panel. Luckily this switch came with ample length wiring, attached, to reach to the second panel, with wire to spare.)

Just notes, Not complainants. For the money, this switch did the trick for me. I could have bought a bigger switch, (more circuits, with removable breakers) but after upgrading my generator purchase from a 5500 to a 6500 Generac, I knew Mamma would start screaming if the bill got too big. LOL

But seriously, I was impressed by the clear markings on almost every wire, and good instructions that were supplied with switch and plug. I highly recommend this switch, works like a charm for me.

REMEMBER, SHUT "OFF" ALL MAIN BREAKERS ON ALL MAIN PANELS BEFORE YOU START

Hope this helps, Good Luck

(THIS IS ONLY AN OPINION, I AM NOT A CERTIFIED ELECTRICIAN), But, if you can wire an electric socket and or switch, you should be able to handle this without much difficulty. Although there are a couple of items that should be covered for clarification of installation.

1. To install the provided "male plug" into the switch front housing, you may need to remove the (2) two front bottom screws on the transfer switch, so you can find the (4) four wires needed to hook up the plug. (2... more

Was this review helpful?

40

RussPort Republic, MD

REVIEWED

OCT.

23

2011

Great Transfer Switch For The Money

(THIS IS ONLY AN OPINION, I AM NOT A CERTIFIED ELECTRICIAN), But, if you can wire an electric socket and or switch, you should be able to handle this without much difficulty. Although there are a couple of items that should be covered for clarification of installation.

1. To install the provided "male plug" into the switch front housing, you may need to remove the (2) two front bottom screws on the transfer switch, so you can find the (4) four wires needed to hook up the plug. (2 wires in my transfer switch were buried, beyond fingers reach, within switch) Once all (4) four wires have been obtained, then simply follow the enclosed leaflet instructions, to wire plug.

2. Make sure you mount switch so the incoming wires to the main panel are situated in the bottom center of main panel to allow enough wire for both rows of breakers. (I have 2 panels, side by side, one 300 amp and one 200 amp. I was worried when first starting out, because one needed circuit was within the second panel. Luckily this switch came with ample length wiring, attached, to reach to the second panel, with wire to spare.)

Just notes, Not complainants. For the money, this switch did the trick for me. I could have bought a bigger switch, (more circuits, with removable breakers) but after upgrading my generator purchase from a 5500 to a 6500 Generac, I knew Mamma would start screaming if the bill got too big. LOL

But seriously, I was impressed by the clear markings on almost every wire, and good instructions that were supplied with switch and plug. I highly recommend this switch, works like a charm for me.

REMEMBER, SHUT "OFF" ALL MAIN BREAKERS ON ALL MAIN PANELS BEFORE YOU START

Hope this helps, Good Luck

(THIS IS ONLY AN OPINION, I AM NOT A CERTIFIED ELECTRICIAN), But, if you can wire an electric socket and or switch, you should be able to handle this without much difficulty. Although there are a couple of items that should be covered for clarification of installation.

1. To install the provided "male plug" into the switch front housing, you may need to remove the (2) two front bottom screws on the transfer switch, so you can find the (4) four wires needed to hook up the plug. (2... more

Was this review helpful?

40

Matt

Purchased 3/9/13

REVIEWED

APR.

21

2013

30 Amp Control / Switch

The product seems well made, I installed it myself after reading the instructions. Install was easy. Tested it a few times and it seems to work correctly. Luckily we haven't needed it yet, also we are using a 5500 watt gen, with a inside hookup and a 40 ft. 10 gauge cord. The shipment was fast. I was happy with the purchase.

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40

Robert FawcettEvansville, IN

REVIEWED

AUG.

30

2009

Midwestern Ice Storm- February 2009

When the ice storm hit the midwest we were without power for two weeks.

This transfer switch provided power with a 5000 watt generator to run our refrigerators, microwave, gas furnace blower and water pump- and it kept the pipes keep from freezing. We could live like civilized human beings again.

It was easy to install with online video (www.reliancecontrols.com). Once installed, we just plugged in the cord through a window and started the generator, then flipped switches from line to generator, easy as pie.

The rest of circuits not wired to this panel will come on when power is restored so you can then easily recognize when to turn off generator and resume regular power without the danger of killing linemen.

We have used it since that winter storm for another power outage. It works just fine, and is safe.

When the ice storm hit the midwest we were without power for two weeks.

This transfer switch provided power with a 5000 watt generator to run our refrigerators, microwave, gas furnace blower and water pump- and it kept the pipes keep from freezing. We could live like civilized human beings again.

It was easy to install with online video (www.reliancecontrols.com). Once installed, we just plugged in the cord through a window and started the generator, then flipped switches from line to... more

Was this review helpful?

30

A. T.

Purchased 8/1/12

REVIEWED

AUG.

25

2012

Great Sevice... Great Price

I bought a generator locally, and ordered these parts for installation. My electrician friend told me what to buy, and the BEST PRICE (including box stores nearby) was Electric Generators Direct.

Even after delivery charges...........THIS WAS CHEAPER AND IDENTICAL TO THE PARTS available locally. The items were VERY WELL PACKED, and arrived JUST AS ADVERTISED.

Overall, A GREAT EXPERIENCE WITH ELECTRIC GENERATORS DIRECT.

Was this review helpful?

10

RonUniontown, PA

Purchased 8/12/10

2 Reviews

REVIEWED

OCT.

19

2010

Test My Reliance Transfer Switch

Just had it installed, hooked up the generator and everything worked just fine.

Hope I never have to hook it up again, but if I do, it is ready.

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10

Bill

2 Reviews

REVIEWED

MAR.

18

2013

Good Switch

I have this switch and it works well. It's a breeze to install, hardest part was finding a place to mount it to be honest. I have a Generac 5500 watt generator and they work well together. I easily could have driven an eight or ten breaker unit, that would be my only comment, I should have gotten something a little bigger, but that was my fault, this switch is great.

Was this review helpful?

00

VictorNew Bern, NC

REVIEWED

OCT.

08

2011

Satisfied

The Reliance Panel met all of my expectations for use. It was shipped in a timely manner and well packaged. I would recommend EGD to a friend.

Was this review helpful?

00

VictorNew Bern, NC

REVIEWED

OCT.

08

2011

Satisfied

The Reliance Panel met all of my expectations for use. It was shipped in a timely manner and well packaged. I would recommend EGD to a friend.

Was this review helpful?

00

Peter L.Camano Island, WA

Purchased 10/4/10

2 Reviews

REVIEWED

OCT.

26

2010

6 Circuit Transfer Switch

I like the product, but if I were a novice at electrical I would have had difficulty with the installation instructions. They are very poorly written and nowhere in the instructions could I find the NEMA numbers for the connectors needed. Yes they're on the connector, but hard to see. All in all a good product. Nice touch on having the wires stamped with the circuit numbers.